Ariel Jacob Helwani, better known as Ariel Helwani, is a prominent Canadian-American sports journalist, recognized for his exceptional writing on mixed martial arts (MMA).
For his significant impact on the sport, he has been consistently honored with the prestigious MMA Journalist of the Year award at the World MMA Awards since 2010.
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- Full Name: Ariel Jacob Helwani
- Stage Name: Ariel Helwani
- Date of birth: July 8, 1982
- Age: 41 years old
- Place of birth: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Nationality: Canadian
- Occupation: sports journalist
- Height: 5’11
- Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Helwani
- Siblings: 3
- Spouse: Jaclyn Stein
- Children: 3
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $8 million
Early life and education
Ariel Helwani, a renowned sports journalist and commentator, was born on November 11, 1983, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He is of Mizrahi Jewish descent and is the youngest of four siblings. Although his parents’ names have not been revealed to the public, they can be referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Helwani.
Ariel received his early education at Akiva School and later attended Herzliah High School in Montreal. Showing a passion for media, he graduated from Syracuse University’s prestigious S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in 2004.
Career
Ariel Helwani’s career journey began in 2006 when he started working as an editor for the Mixed Martial Arts Fighting website. His comprehensive reporting and breaking news quickly earned him a commendable reputation.
Two years later, in 2008, he became an MMA insider for the UFC Tonight Show and contributed to the UFC pre- and post-event programming on Fox Sports. In 2016, he took a significant step forward in his career when he joined ESPN, where he successfully hosted The Ariel Helwani Show, a hugely popular MMA podcast.
Helwani left ESPN in 2019 to found his podcast network, The MMA Hour. The network has since expanded to include multiple podcasts, a YouTube channel, and a website. Helwani is also a regular contributor to HBO Real Sports.
Known for his assertive approach to reporting and fearlessness in asking challenging questions, Helwani has been recognized for his work on many important MMA news stories. Notable examples include his exclusive coverage of the UFC’s sale to WME-IMG in 2016 and his original reporting on the UFC’s anti-doping policy in 2015.
Furthermore, Helwani has publicly criticized UFC’s business strategies, leading to him being banned from attending UFC events on multiple occasions.
Despite his occasional run-ins with the UFC, Helwani is widely admired by fans and fighters alike. He has built a reputation as one of the most trusted figures in MMA, and his podcasts attract millions of viewers worldwide.
Social media
- Twitter: @arielhelwani
- Instagram: @arielhelwani
- Facebook: arielhelwani
Personal life
Ariel Helwani, 41, a renowned sports journalist and MMA reporter, is happily married to Jaclyn Stein, the love of his life and the CEO and talented designer of Anzie Jewelry. They exchanged vows on October 25, 2008 and have been together ever since.
The couple is blessed with three beautiful children – a daughter and two sons – who bring endless joy and love to their lives. Adding to their happiness, Ariel Helwani and Jaclyn recently became U.S. citizens on March 8, 2022.
Net worth
Ariel Helwani, a renowned sports journalist from Canada and the United States, has gained immense recognition for his exceptional reporting on the fascinating world of mixed martial arts (MMA).
With his extensive knowledge and expertise in the field, Helwani has amassed a substantial net worth estimated to be between $5 and $8 million. His dedication and passion for MMA have undoubtedly contributed to his success and financial prosperity.
